Sausage Green Bean Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. As I prepare this recipe, I cant help but reminisce about family gatherings where this casserole was the star of the show. Originating from the classic green bean casserole, this version adds a savory twist with the inclusion of hearty sausage, making it a beloved favorite among friends and family alike.
What I adore about Sausage Green Bean Casserole is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender green beans meld beautifully with the rich, savory sausage, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. Not only is it delicious, but its also incredibly convenient to make, allowing me to whip it up for weeknight dinners or special occasions without breaking a sweat. Its no wonder that this dish has earned a special place in our hearts and on our plates!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
- 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of crispy fried onions (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Preparing the Sausage
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. 3. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until its browned and no longer pink. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. 4. Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial to avoid a greasy casserole.Preparing the Green Beans
5. While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 6. Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes. This will help retain their vibrant color and crispness. 7. After blanching, immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.Making the Casserole Mixture
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, blanched green beans, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 9. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and packed with flavor.Assembling the Casserole
10. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. 11. Pour the sausage and green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. 12. If you like a little extra crunch, sprinkle some additional crispy fried onions on top of the casserole. This will give it a delightful texture once baked.Baking the Casserole
13. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the casserole to be bubbly and the top to be golden brown. 14. About 5 minutes before the casserole is done, you can turn on the broiler for a minute or two to get the top extra crispy. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.Serving the Casserole
15. Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit and make it easier to serve. 16. Use a spatula to scoop out portions and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread.Storing Leftovers
17. If you have any leftovers (which is rare because its so delicious!), let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. 18. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.Tips and Variations
19. For a healthier twist, you can substitute turkey sausage for the Italian sausage. It will still be flavorful and delicious! 20. If you want to add more veggies, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms. Theyll add extra flavor and nutrition. 21. For a cheesy twist, you can mix in some mozzarella cheese along with the cheddar for a gooey texture. 22. If youre a fan of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage while it cooks for an extra kick. 23. This casserole is also great for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until youre ready to bake. 24. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or soups. Cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup can also work well
Conclusion:
In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Sausage Green Bean Casserole recipe, I cant emphasize enough why this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to bring comfort and flavor to their dining table. The combination of savory sausage, tender green beans, and creamy sauce creates a harmonious blend that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether youre hosting a family gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner, or simply craving a hearty meal, this casserole is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this casserole with a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If youre feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the recipe by adding in your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, or even swapping out the sausage for a vegetarian alternative. The possibilities are endless, and thats what makes this dish so versatile! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Sausage Green Bean Casserole a try. I promise you wont be disappointed! Once youve made it, Id love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own twist? How did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Lets celebrate the joy of cooking together! Print
Sausage Green Bean Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Sausage Green Bean Casserole features savory Italian sausage, fresh green beans, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish that works well as a main course or a side, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of Italian sausage
- 1 pound of fresh green beans
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of crispy fried onions
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Now, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir them in with the sausage mixture and cook for another 5 minutes, just until the beans start to soften. Avoid overcooking to retain some crunch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until well blended.
- Add the cooked sausage and green bean mixture to the bowl. Mix everything together until the sausage and beans are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Next, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the casserole.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the sausage and green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with the crispy fried onions for added crunch and flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- After 30 minutes, check the casserole. If the top isnt as golden as youd like, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Notes
- Serve the casserole warm, either as a main dish or as a side. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a simple salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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